Relapsing polychondritis

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare autoimmune disease with recurrent episodes of inflammation of cartilage of the auricular pinna, nose, larynx, trachea and bronchi, as well as involvement of the inner ear, eye, heart, large vessels, kidneys and skin. Clinical presentation is heterogeneous and diagnostics may be difficult. Therapy includes application of glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, biologics (tocilizumab and TNF-alpha antagonists). Relapsing polychondritis may lead to a life-threatening damage and obturation of the airways as well as valvular defects and aortic aneurysms.